COOL COOKIN’ IN THE KITCHEN

With the current economy and the return of escalating summertime temperatures, no one wants to spend extra energy dollars cooling a hot kitchen. But what can you fix for dinner without using the oven? Plenty! Here are some suggestions to get you thinking.

Appliances such as a microwave, slow cooker, outdoor grill, toaster oven, stove top for quick items, and electric skillet may be used instead of the oven to keep your kitchen cool. Remember that rice and pasta may be cooked in the microwave rather than heating a large pot of water on top of the stove.

To reduce oven time it is wise to consider ingredients first.  In the summer especially we eat many fruits and vegetables raw or with minimal cooking.  They are both refreshing and nutritious.

There are many choices for protein such as canned chicken, meat, or fish require no heating.  Canned beans may be drained and rinsed (add to a lettuce or pasta salad to stretch or substitute for other protein); peanut butter is a great choices if allergies are not an issue.  Eggs can be cooked on top of the stove, in an egg cooker or even in the microwave.  If they will be added to a salad they would be chopped up anyway so just scramble and cook in the microwave.

Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and aged cheese are cool and quick. Cottage cheese and yogurt pair well with fruits or vegetables to make a quick meal. Just combine cheese.

It is also a good idea to consider your cooking method.  Cook once; serve twice.  Cook extra pasta, rice or potatoes ‐ enjoy hot the first day and make the leftover into a salad.  Roast or grill extra meat or chicken one night; enjoy the leftovers in a salad or sandwiches another night; or freeze for later use. Try out the recipe idea below and let me know how it turned out. Contact the Wise County Extension Office at 940/627-3341.

Pasta Salad with Peas and Ham

Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup lean, cooked, diced ham
• 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, cooked until just tender
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup light ranch dressing
• Dash garlic powder
• Ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook rotini in boiling salted water just until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Rinse under cool running water, drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Stir in all remaining ingredients, adding more mayonnaise as needed.
4. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Calories 380, Calories Fat 80, Total Fat 9g 14%, Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 25mg 8%, Sodium 530mg 22%, Total Carbohydrate 57g 19%, Dietary Fiber 5g 20%, Sugars 8g, Protein 16g, Vitamin A 20%, Vitamin C 10%, Calcium 2%, Iron 15%